Hi Tripawds
This weekend I managed to get Craig to take some photos of the physio positions.
This is the wrist movement. I have been working on her wrist range of motion for a few months now. It became very stiff from lack of use and the vets were concerned that she was begining to put weight on the bent joint.
The elbow was fused in the first operation so has very limited movement. I can tell Leila isn’t comfortable with this exercise so I don’t push her.
‘Normal’ range of motion would be similar to the human elbow, completely folded to completely straight. The first picture shows Leila’s elbow flexed, the second extended.
Her shoulder is a bit stiff from lack of use but full motion is returning very quickly.
Her shoulder moves back correctly, the extension is a little stiff; the leg should ideally go straight past her face. She can actually stretch a little further than this but when she is resisting it’s best not to push too hard.
Overall Leila is doing well. We have now completed the first of 3 weeks of cage rest. She has had total rest for the last week, only coming out for physio and cuddles. This week I will encourage her to walk around a little more, but closely supervised and for short periods. She must not jump in case she lands on the leg – the impact could still cause it to collapse. Unfortunately jumping is one of her specialities. Not long now Leila!
I hope everyone else is doing well as well.
Thanks for the photos. I’m sure things will improve over time and she’ll adjust accordingly.
My Mona is is front leg amputee and she would still jump up on to my high bed. A few times she took a flying leap off the bed and quickly realized it was not comfortable so she adapted by sliding her remaining leg and body down the side of the mattress, would plant her front leg to dismount landing on her hind legs. I was able to convince her to go off the bed using a chair on to a box. I now have these boxes all over the house so she never has to go down anything lower than the length of her front leg. Perhaps boxes might work for Leila in the future to lessen any strain on her front legs. Your physio could give you pointers if any adaptations are necessary.
In the meantime good luck keeping her a “bed rest”!
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
Whole lotta’ love going on here! So sweet!
Very informative also! Leila is an amazing kitty and clearly she has a lot of trust with you.
So glad recovery is going smoothly. Looking forward to more updates AND photos! Nice job Craig!!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
This is fabulous, thank you so much for sharing! The exercises are identical to the ones we would do for canines. You’re an awesome pawrent, keep up the great work.